Gourme'

Serving a diverse variety of good Western cuisine, Gourme' restaurant is a pleasant dining spot day or night with about 40 inside seats and outside umbrella-shaded tables. Located in the building directly in front Taichung's only mini golf course, just a block behind WenXin Forest Park and the amphitheater, Gourme' is a collaboration between owner Nicole Hsia and well-known South African cook Gertie Grotius, who has helped as a kitchen consultant. Notable menu items among the Starters are the South African-inspired Boerewors Roll (NT$150) and that Canadian favorite, Poutine (NT$150), consisting of fries (chips) with brown gravy and melted cheese. There's also a good salad list, plus beef, chicken and veggie burgers (NT$150-230), various sandwiches, and a number of pastas. Another area that jumps out are mouth-watering desserts (NT$80-150), like the Scones with Cream and Strawberry Jam, Milk Tart, and Koeksisters--a South African syrupy donut. On Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., there are numerous brunch specials. These include five main items, and omelettes with eight different filling options. Drinks include various coffees, teas and juices, plus bottled beers (NT$120-150) and wines. --By Douglas Habecker, translated by Naomi Lai

A. Mint Jelly Lamb Chops with Red Wine Sauce (NT$420) is one of the restaurant's excellent main courses, which all come with soup, bread and black tea. Other good options include Grilled Beef Rib with Bordelaise Sauce (NT$420), Curry Fish (NT$320), Grilled Fillet Mignon with Truffles (NT$520), and Pork Fillet with Garlotta Cheese (a New Zealand gouda cheese).

B. Gourme's ambiance takes on a romantic glow at night, when the warm light shines through the big front windows and candles light the tables.